Explore China 2026

Participant Handbook

This handbook is for confirmed participants. Everything you need to know before departure — visa, apps, payments, SIM cards, and more.

Before you leave

Quick Pre-Departure Checklist

Check visa eligibility for your passport
Install and test VPN before entering China
Download WeChat and Alipay — link your Visa/Mastercard
Decide on SIM card option
Download DiDi (transport app)
⚠ Do NOT set up payment apps while VPN is on

Entry requirements

Passport & Entry (Canada)

Canadian passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is valid until the end of 2026. Many other passport holders qualify for a 10-day (240-hour) visa-free transit — check your specific passport carefully.

Current entry strategy: Canada passport holders can enter on a visa-free basis (essentially visa-on-arrival). You will need to have the following ready before arriving:

Hotel booking confirmation for your stay
Return/onward flight ticket booked before arrival
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates

Always verify your eligibility before booking flights, as policies can change without notice.

⚠ Visa policies can change. Verify eligibility at official sources below before your trip.

⚠ You must have a confirmed hotel booking and departure flight before arrival.

Chinese Embassy in Canada → ca.china-embassy.gov.cn Chinese Consulate in Toronto → toronto.china-consulate.gov.cn

Internet access

Install your VPN before you land — it cannot be downloaded inside China

Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are blocked in China. You must install and test your VPN before boarding your flight. Once inside China, the App Store and VPN websites are inaccessible.

Recommended VPN providers:

ExpressVPN NordVPN Astrill

⚠ Install and test your VPN before entering China.

⚠ Do NOT use VPN when setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay — verification will fail.

Connectivity

SIM / Internet

A reliable data connection is essential — apps like WeChat Pay and DiDi require it to function. Consider your options before departure.

Recommended

International Traveller SIM

Available for pickup at the airport. Ask your provider specifically about Google and WhatsApp access.

eSIM

Set up before you depart. Convenient, but you won't have a Chinese phone number for SMS verification.

Local Chinese SIM

Most stable for app verification and ride-hailing. Requires VPN for accessing Google and Western apps.

Community tip: Local SIM is usually more reliable for ride-hailing and app verification — but you'll need your VPN set up (and off) at the right times.

Essential apps

Apps & Payment Setup

These three apps are essential for daily life in China. Download and set them up before you land.

💬

WeChat

Chat + payment in one. Primary channel for group communication during the program.

Payment setup:

Register with your phone number
Verify identity with passport
Link Visa/Mastercard

WeChat → wechat.com WeChat Pay setup →

💳

Alipay

Main payment method accepted at most shops and restaurants across China.

Payment setup:

Register with your phone number
Verify identity with passport
Link Visa/Mastercard

Alipay → alipay.com Alipay setup guide (international) →

🚗

DiDi

Ride-hailing app (like Uber). Works best with a local SIM card for SMS verification.

⚠ Set up payment apps before arriving in China. Do NOT use VPN during setup — verification will fail.

These apps work for most shops, restaurants, and transit. P2P transfers may be restricted for foreign cards. Bring some cash (RMB) as a backup.